Log:Favors from Friends

Favors from Friends

OOC Date: January 18, 2018
Location: Nar Shaddaa
Participants: Ax, Leia Organa, Ambrosia Greystorm, The Resistance, Waywards

In the Wayward's hangar....

Well, look who's come back from the dead....or something like that. It's been many months since Greystorm Sr had darkened the Wayward's doorstep with her presence, but unless there's new staff working security detail, her face might be remembered. And beside her? A venerable stranger and even /stranger/ droid. Just a couple older women being escorted about town by a mouthy protocol droid....

"I'm here to speak to your boss," she informs security and folds arms over chest, leaning on hip. "Preferably soon."

The stranger beside Amber remains hooded in her own flowing white cloak with her hands clasped infront of her. The Droid, much to everyone's expectations, rambles on about how little he actually likes Nar Shaddaa. He does so quietly after much instruction from the woman with Amber, but nothing can make him completely shut up.

It didn't take long for Ax to spot the two ladies and the droid. He gives a nod, and the security detail motion towards Ax and inform Amber that her son and nephew were both away at the moment. 3PO's sentiments on Nar Shaddaa get nods from some of the employees that overhear it.

Ax motions to one of the older employees to take over for him and he moves to approach the women. "Amber, A pleasure to see you. Sorry that Jax isn't around. Sesti's father was with the diplomat core from Iridonia, was on Hosnian Prime at the time of... Well, you know what the hell happened, Kadi and I will be attending the funeral I believe." Ax then looks to the woman in white. "Who's this with you?" he asks.

"Ambassador Gath is dead," Ambrosia repeats hollowly, head bobbing once, then cuts a look to Leia with a murmured explanation. "Thirty years ago he was a member of the Kimrath Claws. Served alongside him a couple years before he retired for more...mundane discussions." Retired like she'd retired, which is to say 'not really'. Running her tongue nervously over lower lip, she looks back to Ax and motions to what's behind him.

"Looks like there's more than one navy shipping up on this moon. My friend here has an interest in Wayward's ... success. Ax, I'd like you to meet General Organa. General, this young man employed my son before - and after -" she says with a bit of a tight tone "his stint in our starfighter corps."

Leia reaches up to slide her hood back from her head, chestnut hair falling in a straight cascade down her shoulders with the slip of her wrist through it. Once her identity is exposed, the General steps over with her hand extended to Ax, "Lieutenant Colonel Greystorm said we should mee. Has said so for... a while." She wears a smile, sad though it might with all of their combined losses, "I wish it were under better circumstances and without me coming to ask you for a favor."

The droid shambles over, turning bodily to look between the trio of humans.

"I'm very sorry to hear about Ambassador Gath... He was as noble a soldier to the Rebellion as he was a firy ambassador to the Senate. He was one of few who stood beside me during the unfortunate scandel that ultimately ended my political career. The galaxy is darker without his fire to light it."

At the mention of Leia's name, Ax raises his brows. "Princess Organa, I am honored," he says with a slight bow of the head. Ax looks to the droid. "I never met the man, only his daughter who works for me," Ax says. "But, we do what we can to support our members in any way we can." Ax looks to Amber, then back to Leia. "I hope it's not to recruit me? I truly think I'd do better out here. I'm a good pilot, but I'm a smuggler, not a fighter jockey. Amber's son has taught me that much, at least." He looks about. "Shall we go somewhere more comfortable and private, or is this conversation ok for others to overhear?"

"It may be best to find somewhere quiet," Ambrosia recommends without skipping a beat, mouth struggling to remain in a straight line despite the wrinkle of tension weighing on her brow. "But no...we're not here for your soul. Couldn't even get my own flesh'n'blood to stay, so how'd I ask it of you?" Is she joking? Doesn't sound like humor. "Has uh, you haven't seen Kort pay visit here, have you? To Jax?"

Leia agrees with Amber, nodding thus to Ax, "It's probably best for us to get somewhere comfortable and quieter." Her gaze shifts around the prep the Wayward are under and can guess without much to do what it may be for; if not to where. Everyone has lost family.

"No, but Kadi and I are heading to Corellia along with some others to try and get her parents," Ax says as he heads towards the turbolift, motioning for the ladies to follow. He pauses a moment to have someone run ahead and clear the common room. "If you have anyone else on planet you want off, let me know. I'll do what I can," Ax says. "It should be private where we're heading. I didn't know I'd be entertaining guests, so it's not going to be anything special.

"I hailed Kort on holonet during the early phases of our evacuation," Amber ventures to share during the lift ride up. She stands halfway to attention, hands stiffly clenched at the low of her back, boring a hole in the doors with her stare. "He was in the process of shipping the Ice Queen off Corellia, having gotten a whiff was what was to come. It would seem that even so many years outside the game, he's still got the right instincts. He and Aora are safe...for now. I was only curious if he'd been to see his son." She drops her glare to a smudge of street grime on the toe of her boot and falls silent for the remainder of the ride.

Leia remains quiet throughout the ride with her hands resting clasped in front of her until the Turbolift deposits them and they've adjourned to the common area. Once they've taken seats, Threepio takes his place at her back left shoulder. "We have limited resources to offer, but if there's anything we can do to assist in finding and extracting Kadi's family, please let us know. The galaxy has already lost too much for even a single family to lose one more." It is discreet, but only marginally, as the Princess reaches over to squeeze Amber's arm beside her.

The ride is smooth, if there's one thing the Waywards have going for them, it's Kadi, Ax's wife. The woman was a top-rate engineer and made sure that everything, from ships to turbolifts ran perfectly. Once they get to the proper level, they're in an empty common room. One that was only recently vacated. "Can I get you women anything?" he asks before pouring himself a glass of expensive whiskey. "My lady, I probably have more resources than the resistance does right now, if rumors I hear are true." He sips at his drink. "I do appreciate your offer though, and I hope that I don't need it. I've got my tricks for getting to and from planets without drawing too much attention. Hopefully, my tricks still work." There's a pause as he looks between the two women. "So, what's this about? What favor do you have to ask from me? What can I do for the Resistance?"

Ambrosia looks down to the gentle arm squeeze and returns it with a small wince of a smile before standing and helping herself to a looksee at the bar. May as well play it natural. Her eye for booze? That's natural. "Much was sacrificed, whatever the rumors are saying. Now we need to rebuild. Rebuilding requires assistance. Assets. If we're to keep up this fight and put a knife into the heart of this /creature/ before it spreads its poison - free the galactic core, or risk losing these wilder, free spaces."

Leia waves off the offer with an appreciative smile, "No, thank you." She says quietly with her hands now resting laid atop one another on the table, "As the Colonel said.. and as you yourself mentioned.. the Waywards have a great deal more resources to bare than we do, especially most recently." Her brow furrows ever so slightly, "I know that every freedom loving organization is stretched thin, but to continue this fight we're in the unfortunate position to request assistance from outside sources." One hand turns over to motion over the table to Ax.

Ax looks to Amber, "Yeah, remember I faced them and Kylo Ren once before, on Sereno. It was our intel that led to your assault upon them, if memory serves me right," Ax says. Then he takes a seat, sips more at his drink. "Princess Organa, I am flattered that you'd come to me, and I do have assets but if you're looking for ships, there's not much I can help with that would be of much use." More whiskey is sipped. "But, I'm sure I can help in other ways. I am an adept smuggler, and I've amassed a bit of a fortune. Granted, it's not all liquid assets, but if you have a supplier, I might be able to fund a few fighters here and there. Can't do a lump sum thing, but if you have connections to Incom or whoever, then I'm sure we can help in some fashion."

"Any ship capable of transporting soldiers is of use," Amber taps a couple fingers on the bartop, then turns about face and leans her elbows back on the edge, hands folded loosely over her belly. "But, having a personal banker to draw from on occasion /is/ better than naught...if the General is of a like mind?"

"Admittedly, we're in desperate need of ships, but I can understand how difficult that can be for anyone to just hand over." Leia agrees with a nod, "Especially with operations to run of their own." That said, she motions to Amber with both hands, "Extra credits to draw from would be beneficial. Equipment is in short supply, ammunition and armor for troops. Fuel, repairs..." It was obviously easier when they had the Republic to draw from.

"I don't have anything to spare, currently. My people have more ships than I do myself," Ax says. "I don't have ships to give away, but if you can find a source for decent ones that aren't black market costs, then maybe I can help in that way," Ax says towards Leia. "I am a wealthy man, and my organization is wealthy. I can't justify spending half a million or more for a single civil war era fighter." There's a slight pause as he looks at his empty glass. "I might also be able to help in other ways," Ax says. He takes a deep breath, and with a wave of his hand, the bottle of whiskey on the bar floats over towards the table and pours Ax's glass full before it bumps down onto the table, almost toppling over before Ax reaches a hand out to steady it. "I'm no Luke Skywalker, Kenobi, or other hero of the Jedi of old, but I am not without some talent and a slight amount of training."

Ambrosia arches a brow to the parlor trick and turns to gauge Leia's reaction rather than supplying one of her own, for now. Having been the test dummy a time or two for Jax's own practice of skill, she can't muster too much surprise, anymore. "Would you be willing to fund weapons or other supplies? Even food and medical equipment lend much to our effort." A sly glance over her shoulder to what's behind the bar again.

Honestly, Leia is surprised she didn't feel it, but it seems so obvious when she sees it with her own eyes. That floating bottle drifting across the table towards Ax's hand, even if it does topple over, it's more than she herself is capable of and she's allegedly a Skywalker. "You have no idea how rare a commodity you are, though." She says in a thoughtfully quiet tone. "My brother has become one with the Force." She tries very hard not to choke on the word.

Her losses are not the only one's felt and she does her very best not to let even a hint of that feeling seep into her so that she can better be there for those around her who have their own family to mourn, but it's hard when she thinks about it.

With a nod, she looks to Ax, "I believe I know a way you can assist me." She manages, wiping away one single tear. temporarily she drifts, then returns with Amber's renewal of their purpose here, "Yes.." She stands up slowly from the table and smooths out her robes. "Forgive me.. It's been a very emotional couple of days." Quietly, a hand lightly laid upon Amber's shoulder, "Colonel Greystorm.. Ambrosia.. she is going to be taking over more operational control of the Resistance in the coming days. While I am very gracious for your hospitality, I am also concerned that my... emotional state.. might have adverse effects on my decision making."

Ax gives a nod to Amber. "Actually, I might have some surplus you can take with you, if you have time for me to scrounge around a bit," Ax says. "Also, if you need a place to hold meetings or something in secret, I can provide my winery on Naboo for such a place. It's quiet and peaceful, it's where I do most of my training with Jax," he says.

Then, Ax is looking back at Leia. He sets his drink down, and lowers his head for a moment. "I am sorry to hear about your brother, Princess. He was a hero to many. His loss will be felt across the galaxy." When she stands, he stands. "I can imagine," Ax says. "I felt when Hosnian Prime blew up, it crippled me with the..." He takes a deep breath. "You have my condolences, Princess. If there is a way I can assist then I am willing to do so. I am not a military man, it's just not in my nature. I can do more good for people along with my fellow Waywards outside of a military structure. I know routes around the galaxy that few others know."

The Colonel's eyes avert professionally away from the slip of sorrow her General, handler, friend is emitting, lest it trigger a slightly different emotional outburst from her own person. She does reach a hand up to carefully lay atop Leia's porcelain one. There's almost a reverence there, or a fear. "Guess it /is/ time I'm put out to pasture," she mumbles with a little eye twitch (or wink?). She listens to Ax's additional offers thoughtfully, taking mental notes and praying to the great, dark void that her brain doesn't misplace them.

"Sar's got a house in Theed, as well. I uh...stopped by some months ago, time or two while on assignment. Nice place. Used to belong to a retired Imperial agent, but from what I understand, Yavok painted the couch with his..." a quiet clearing of throat then, and she forces a cordial smile. "We'd be happy to lighten your surplus load. Also, droids. I've known Kadi's affinity for that sort of craft since she was just some snot-nosed little girl. Could use a few decent gladiator models. Or anything remotely sturdy that's capable of wielding a stick. I'd really like to beat the hell out of somethin, and it'd be a decent training tool, especially for live fire drills. Our own mechanics can ressucitate it after the abuse."

"A gentleman." Leia manages a small smile as she bows her head to Ax's standing as she did, "If only there were more such individuals in your profession.. it suits you, however." Always the diplomat, she reaches back to pull her hood back into place. It's not a great disguise, but there's all sorts moving around Nar Shaddaa. Besides, she's a difficult woman to sneak up on, so she doesn't seem overly concerned about walking the streets alone. "We will no doubt be in touch, Captain. We have a great deal more to discuss, I believe." As she's stepping back towards the hallway.

"No.." To Threepio, holding up a hand, "Stay with the Colonel. I need to clear my head and she might need your assistance finding her way back to the base." Teasing her friend with that same small grin directed ad Amber, "But don't bother her too much, hm?"

Then the General is making her way out with her head bowed forward. Threepio watching her go, then looking to Amber with a little shuffle. "I will have you know that I have my fair share of combat experience." A brief pause, "I have watched multiple battles... from the bridge. Where I was given no operational control what so ever. But I believe that still counts as experience."

Leia Organa issues a command to Threepio. The golden droid looks right to left. "Oh yes, I shall be delighted to!" it exclaims, and begins to follow Ambrosia Greystorm.

"I have a hunter-trainer droid that would fit the bill perfectly, Amber," Ax says. "If you have a place I can send deliveries, or if you want to set up a rendezvous spot for such things. I've realized that most of my training doesn't hold up well against anything short of someone else wielding one of these," Ax says, plucking an ornate curved cylinder from his belt. He doesn't ignite the weapon, but it's obviously hand-crafted with care, and by someone who knew what the hell they were doing, at least if appearances mean anything.

Ambrosia blanches just a /touch/ in the face of Threepio's enthusiasm now that it's directed at her. "Think we'll manage to be home in time for supper..." she follows Leia's withdrawal with a poor tease of her own. Lame attempts at humor were never her strongsuit and it certainly doesn't mask her look of concern. 'Let her go', the inner voice says. The woman DID survive the vacuum of space, afterall. She'll be fine.

Keeping her within the limits of sight until the Princess has left, she moves away from the bar and turns her back on the droid. "Can't imagine there's many sparring partners to go around, with one'o them. Pretty hilt, though." she remarks dryly. "I've a few stash houses around. Probably one or two still untampered with. Lemme know when you've got future goods ready and I'll forward you an address." A couple fingers slip a card out from jacket pocket and she offers up the comlink code and a holonet address. "Scrambled numbers, secured for now. In the meantime, I'll take what I can carry on a sled," she decides and offers a hand outward to seal their deal.

"Your son is learning, he has my first lightsaber that I made. This one is definitely a superior weapon, but I guess practice makes perfect," Ax says. "Let me get that stuff ready. I'm probably going to be out of contact for a few days, between the funeral and getting Kadi's family off of Corellia. She's been quite emotional lately, all the stress and all." He drains the remainder of his glass. "Help yourself. The good stuff is behind the second panel on the wall. Fill a flask, but don't drink all my Whyren's. I'll have a sled loaded for you."

"Much obliged," Ambrosia mutters, sauntering over to investigate that panel after casting Threepio a look that reads 'dont tell'. "Good to know Jax's resignation from the corps has been put to good use and not squandered away..." Her prying fingers make short work of the obstacle between self and Whyren's reserve and after offloading the remaining contents of her current flask, she refills it with the better stuff. There's been too much talk of sons and funerals, and she's not far from releasing her own emotional outburst, but it won't be a dainty tear when that mess happens. So here goes a healthy sip to fortify her apathy. Then it's a plop down on the couch, feet up, and wait.

"Colonel," the droid queries in the sweet silence. "Have you given consideration to posthumous accolades and fu--"

"Shut up before I put you to sleep," she grumbles.